Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are a health care professional

honeypot link
Professional Version

Overview of the Adrenal Glands

By

David Bruyette

, DVM, DACVIM, Anivive Lifesciences, Inc.

Reviewed/Revised Apr 2019 | Modified May 2019

The adrenal glands are essential for life, being responsible for the minute-to-minute regulation of blood pressure, blood volume, and vascular tone. Originally, their actions were thought to be limited to the "flight or fight phenomenon, but with increased knowledge of the many actions of aldosterone and aldosterone excess there has been renewed interest in the adrenal glands with respect to health and disease.

The adrenal glands of mammals are located near the cranial pole of the kidneys. They consist of two distinct parts, the outer cortex and inner medulla, which differ in morphology, function, and origin.

For More Information

quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP